The Technology of Discovery
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
The Technology of Discovery
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration
About this book
The Technology of Discovery
Incisive discussions of a critical mission-enabling technology for deep space missions
In The Technology of Discovery: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration, distinguished JPL engineer and manager David Woerner delivers an insightful discussion of how radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are used in the exploration of space. It also explores their history, function, their market potential, and the governmental forces that drive their production and design. Finally, it presents key technologies incorporated in RTGs and their potential for future missions and design innovation.
The author provides a clear and understandable treatment of the subject, ranging from straightforward overviews of the technology to complex discussions of the field of thermoelectrics. Included is also background on NASA's decision to resurrect the GPHS-RTG and discussion of the future of commercialization of nuclear space missions. Readers will also find:
- A thorough introduction to RTGs, as well as their invention, history, and evolution
- Comprehensive explorations of the contributions made by RTGs to US space exploration
- Practical discussions of the evolution, selection, and production of RPS fuels
- In-depth examinations of technologies and generators currently in development, including skutterudite thermoelectrics for an enhanced MMRTG
Perfect for space explorers, aerospace engineers, managers, and scientists, The Technology of Discovery will also earn a place in the libraries of NASA archivists and other historians.
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Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Table of Contents
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Foreward
- Note From the Series Editor
- Preface
- Authors
- Reviewers
- Acknowledgments
- Glossary
- List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
- 1 The History of the Invention of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) for Space Exploration
- 2 The History of the United States’s Flight and Terrestrial RTGs
- 3 US Space Flights Enabled by RTGs
- 4 Nuclear Systems Used for Space Exploration by Other Countries
- 5 Nuclear Physics, Radioisotope Fuels, and Protective Components
- 6 A Primer on the Underlying Physics in Thermoelectrics
- 7 End‐to‐End Assembly and Pre‐flight Operations for RTGs
- 8 Lifetime Performance of Spaceborne RTGs
- 9 Modern Analysis Tools and Techniques for RTGs
- 10 Advanced US RTG Technologies in Development
- Index
- End User License Agreement